MRPL2 (mitochondrial ribosomal protein L2) is a structural component of the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit that plays critical roles in mitochondrial translation and cellular bioenergetics 1. As a core mitochondrial ribosomal protein, MRPL2 functions in oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, essential for energy-dependent cellular processes 1. Beyond its canonical mitochondrial role, MRPL2 exhibits dual functionality: it localizes to mitochondria to support ribosomal activity and translocates to the nucleus where it interacts with PDCD11 to regulate calcium signaling 2. MRPL2 expression is dysregulated in multiple diseases. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), MRPL2 is upregulated and promotes tumorigenicity through the USP21/MRPL2/PDCD11/Ca2+ axis; lometrexol has been identified as a potential MRPL2 inhibitor 2. MRPL2 is also implicated in chr6 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as a prognostic biomarker within mitochondria-related gene signatures 34. Additionally, MRPL2 mediates biological aging acceleration induced by third-hand smoke exposure through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress 5. In reproductive biology, MRPL2 functions downstream of mechanosensitive Piezo channels in a conserved pathway regulating spermatogenesis and fertility 1, with expression notably elevated in human spermatids.